LAGOS/Nigeria: 17-year-old Francis James from Plateau State claimed victory at the second edition of the prestigious Mangrove Marathon Race 2023 held on Saturday in Lekki, Lagos.
James’ triumph in the 10km eco-friendly race earned him a coveted prize of one million naira, beating a field of contestants that included Mr. Omowole Sowore, a former presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections and the renowned Publisher of Sahara Reporters.
Expressing his elation at emerging as the top male participant, James revealed that he had dedicated six months of rigorous preparation for the marathon. He graciously urged his fellow contestants to persevere and strive harder for future competitions.
Notably, the race also saw the emergence of a female champion. David Abiye-Joyce, a dedicated staff member of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), secured the first place among the women participants. Abiye-Joyce expressed deep gratitude to God for her triumph, highlighting her history of consistent victories in various athletic competitions under the NSCDC banner.
In his welcome address, Hon. Rasak Kasali, Chairman of the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), extended his gratitude to the event’s organizers and all the participants for their support and participation in the Mangrove Marathon Race. Kasali emphasized the vital importance of mangroves in the ecosystem, acting as a crucial buffer between marine and terrestrial communities and providing protection against damaging winds, waves, and floods. He also noted that despite their immense benefits, mangroves were facing destruction due to land-based pollution.
During the event, several dignititaries underscored the significance of mangroves in Nigeria’s ecosystem. Mrs. Tolulope Adeyo, Director of Ecology & Conservation at the Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, stressed the importance of preserving Lekki’s extensive stretch of mangroves, serving as protection for the local fauna and flora.
Drawing attention to the larger picture, the Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) highlighted Nigeria’s significant role as home to the largest mangroves in Africa, spanning one-third of the continent’s total mangrove coverage. Mangroves play a crucial role as carbon sinks and are essential for coastal dwellers’ livelihood. However, they face multiple threats, including oil pollution, overexploitation, and unsustainable urban development.
Onoja, the NCF Director-General, praised the Mangrove Marathon Race as an initiative that promotes awareness and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. The NCF had undertaken various mangrove restoration projects in degraded areas, recognizing the urgent need to preserve this vital resource for the sake of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Mangrove Marathon Race’s convener, Mr. Jerry Chidi, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success and the enthusiasm of the youth from Ibeju-Lekki LCDA in participating for both fun and conservation awareness. He revealed plans to expand the race in the coming years, with a target of 21km in 2024 and 42km in 2025.
As the event concluded, the traditional ruler of Ise Land, Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan (Onise of Ise Land), pledged his palace’s unwavering support for the preservation and restoration of mangroves.
The event’s highlights included prize presentations to the winners in various categories and a symbolic mangrove planting ceremony at the Ecopark Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Centre in Akodo Ise, managed by the Eco Restoration Foundation. Prince David Omaghomi, Executive Director of the foundation, announced plans to open the park to the public by 2024, coinciding with the next Mangrove Marathon Race.
